Temporary Research Assistant at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO

Job description

Job Description Position Summary This position requires applicants to 1) physically construct and/or adjust a compressed-air shock tube, 2) physically construct and/or adjust a vortex gatling cannon, 3) design and complete experiments using 1 and 2, and 4) collect data from these experiments. Work Unit Description The CEE Department at CSU is recognized both nationally and internationally for its research, education, and service and outreach programs and is ranked in the top 40 CEE programs in the USA. The CEE Department comprises 34 faculty, 7 research scientists/scholars, 15 research associates, and 10 administrative professionals. Our faculty are leaders in interdisciplinary research and education and collaborate with faculty in the Atmospheric Science Department, School of Global Environmental Sustainability, the Natural Resources Ecology Laboratory, and the Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Department, and with researchers around the world. Our water-related programs are designated a CSU Program of Research and Scholarly Excellence. Additional information about the CEE Department can be found at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/. Application Deadline November 9, 2026 Essential Job Duties Shock Tube and Vortex Cannon Testing • Design, build, and adjust a compressed air shock tube. • Design, build, and adjust a vortex gatling cannon. • Use a DAQ to collect shock wave pressure measurements. • Communicate with team members to help meet project deadlines. Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Background Check – Criminal background check required for all new hires. Candidates must be able to repeatedly lift a minimum of 60 pounds and be able to apply a torque of 100 ft-lbs using a wrench to seal our shock tube. Special conditions: The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Department will not sponsor a visa for this position. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or mechanical engineering. Basic knowledge of shock tube mechanics, construction, and operation. Basic knowledge of vortex cannon mechanics, construction, and operation. Team player with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment. Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document technical work clearly. Experience with running both shock tube experiments and the running of a vortex cannon a must. Preferred Qualifications Additional Information Search contact: Paul.Heyliger@ColoState.EDU Salary Range 30.00 per hour Required Application Documents To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Resume/CV Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in! Background Check Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of backgroun